Subject: Demolition of BOSLER HOUSE, 3209 W. Fairview Place, Denver, CO 80211

I am a resident of Highland Park, and write to express my concern regarding the pending decision on the demolition of Bosler House, at 3209 W. Fairview Place.  I understand that demolition is being considered because of extensive water damage.  I do not believe that such a prominent Landmark Building on Highland Park should be demolished due to negligence by the property’s owner.

The owner clearly neglected to protect the home from water damage. The roof was opened up many months ago and then left opened, exposing the house to the elements for an extended period of time. The resulting water damage could have been prevented by simple measures made by the owner, such as a tarp covering or plastic sheeting, until a permanent roof could be put in place. The owner should be held responsible in this case; this is a house of historic importance in a neighborhood whose residents and council members are actively striving to bring back its historic pedigree.

Highland Park, adjacent to Bosler House, is currently under renovation.

“…The construction and improvements are the result of the Highland Park Master Plan, developed in the Fall 2005 to address the growing concerns of neighborhood residents regarding the poor condition of the park… The construction is the first step in realization of neighborhood planning process to raise Highland Park back to its original status as a jewel of the West Highlands neighborhood…” North Denver Tribune, Feb 2010.

Woodbury Library, located on the park, has just been remodeled, shining new light on its architectural features. Homes in the area are being renovated and restored.  There are also plans in the works by the City Council to revitalize Federal Boulevard (that runs by Highland Park) to bring it back to its historic beginnings as the grandest thoroughfare in Denver. Consider how important Bosler House becomes when put in that context.

The next public hearing on BOSLER HOUSE is scheduled for September 7, 2010 at 201 W. Colfax Ave.  Please attend and show your support to save this Highland Gem!  Prior to the hearing, please contact the following with your comments to save this treasure:

Jeremy.Wells@denvergov.org
Mr. Jeremy Wells

Landmark Preservation Commission

Community Planning and Development

City and County of Denver

201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205

Denver, CO 80202

paula.sandoval@denvergov.org

Ms. Paula Sandoval
Denver City Council

District 1

Mr. Bart Berger
Colorado Historical Society
1560 Broadway, Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202
303.866.3682
http://www.coloradohistory.org/

I am a nieghbor to the BOSLER MANSION and this is what I have heard about the roof problem..The original roof was 5 foot higher than the present. the previous owners back in 1968 lowered the roof to pyramid style castrating the 2 foot catwalk and replacing with rain gutters. The current owner raised the roof pitch design 6 inches to avoid snow buildup. The pine tree on the property is about 10 feet higher than the Tower on the house. The area of HIGHLAND Park should be responsible for the BOND VALUE or the Monitery Ajustment of the HISTORICAL LANDMARK. I think they should all do TIME for their crime. What an EYE sore.